Ron Washington, the Los Angeles Angels’ manager, spent the previous seven seasons with the Atlanta Braves.
The Atlanta Braves have suffered in multiple areas this season, according to former coach and current Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington. With uneven hitting, injuries, and playing down to their opponents, the club has suffered compared to previous seasons.
They are 7.5 games behind the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies in the division. To make matters worse, after leading the NL Wild Card Race for much of the season, they are currently 3.5 games out of the No. 1 Wild Card slot and only two games ahead of the Mets for the final spot.
Washington spent eight seasons with the Braves and has spoken up about what is going on in Atlanta for the first time since leaving this summer. His Angels squad dropped to 53-71 after losing two of three against the Braves.
“Well, I’ve been around a long time,” Washington explained a few hours before Friday’s game. “I have been making a difference in this game for a long time. I don’t believe my departure made a difference in what is going on (with the Braves). Look at all of the injuries they’ve sustained, because they were playing well before these injuries. Consider all of the injuries they suffered and the replacements they had to replace players with. It wasn’t even close (to the same level of ability).
Manager Brian Snitker was happy to see his former colleague.
“It was good to see him, I know that. I’m sure he enjoyed seeing all the guys and everything.” Snitker said.
Ron Washington has been hugging #Braves players and chatting with Brian Snitker. pic.twitter.com/fJgLGrG6jn
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 16, 2024
His former players had nothing but tremendous regard for ‘Wash.’
“To me, he’s in his own category,” Riley remarked. “They do not make another Wash. They do not. I mean, it’s what it is. But this is nothing against anyone else. It’s just that.
Washington brought Eric Young with him to Los Angeles as his third base coach. They combined for 12 seasons with the Braves and both saw the team win the World Series in 2021.
Additionally, they helped develop and manage outstanding players like Austin Riley, Ozzy Albies, Ronald Acuña Jr., and former Atlanta shortstop Dansby Swanson.
With Brian Snitker potentially leaving the team at the end of next season, Atlanta must address the coaching situation at first and third base. While the shoes of Washington and Young Sr. will never be filled, the squad must recognize that coaching can make or break a roster’s effectiveness.
▪️7 seasons
▪️6 division titles
▪️1 World Series ringRon Washington's legacy as Atlanta's third-base coach goes beyond the numbers. Just ask @Braves players. pic.twitter.com/YDx9vjn1FW
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) November 10, 2023
In 2024, there is still time to rectify issues during the season—but time is not on the team’s side, with just about a month of regular-season baseball left.
